Crude oil imports from Russia rising apace

In 2004 the Netherlands imported more than 52 million tons of crude oil, 7 percent more than in 2003. Imports of crude were worth almost 11 billion euro.

Nearly 30 percent of crude was imported from Russia, whereas four years ago only 8 percent of crude came from Russia. Russia is currently the chief crude supplier.

Crude imports from Russia

Russia

Crude imports from Russia have risen sharply, partly due to OPEC’s agreement to limit production. Other factors are the lower barrel price of Russian crude and declining production in British oil fields. In 2004 the Netherlands imported over 15 million tons of Russian crude, an increase by 40 percent on 2003.

Share United Kingdom declines

Two years ago the United Kingdom still was the Netherlands’ largest crude oil supplier. In recent years, the share of British oil in Dutch oil imports declined and fell from nearly 25 to 12 percent, whereas the share of crude imported from Russia is rising rapidly.

Share crude imports, various countries

Crude imports from OPEC countries slightly up

In 2004 close to 21 million tons of crude oil were imported from OPEC countries an increase by 9 percent on 2003. The share of OPEC in total Dutch crude imports amounted to 40 percent last year. Saudi Arabia is the largest exporter of crude oil in OPEC. Almost two-thirds of crude imported from OPEC countries come from Saudi Arabia.